Item to be considered by the GT-REF.INST at its meeting on 25 September 2008

————————————————

Introduction and summary

1. On 14 December 2005 (651st meeting), the Committee of Ministers adopted Resolution(2005)47 on committees and subordinate bodies, their terms of reference and working methods. It also agreed that its implementation will be reviewed after two years. This review is due now.

2. At its meetings of 26 February and 27 March 2008, the GT-REF.INST examined the study on the efficiency and effectiveness of committees (document DD(2007)548) and of the proposals for follow-up action (document GT-REF.INST(2008)3). At their 1024th meeting of 23 April 2008, the Ministers’ Deputies adopted decisions relevant to the study (CM/Del/Dec(2008)1024/1.6). In particular, the Deputies invited the GT-REF-INST to regularly examine the follow-up to be given to the document CM(2006)168 on the rationalisation of intergovernmental committees, and to put forward suggestions for their further rationalisation, as necessary.

3. This report assesses the progress made concerning the rationalisation of intergovernmental committees, as regards the implementation of the Resolution Res(2005)47 on committees and subordinate bodies, their terms of reference and working methods and of measures proposed in the document CM(2006)168. It concludes that Res(2005)47 has been effectively implemented, and has contributed to further rationalisation. Therefore, no revision of the Resolution is suggestedat this stage, but a few practical improvements could be made, notably to enhance transparency and access to information concerning committees. As a principle, rationalisation measures should not endanger but rather reinforce the key functions of intergovernmental committees, in particular their capacity for innovation and their networking function. At the same time, the rationalisation process needs to continue in order to further streamline the activities of the Organisation.

4. Resolution Res(2005)47, which entered into force on January 2006, sought to introduce efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility in the functioning of the Council of Europe intergovernmental committees and to respond to the evolving needs of the organisation.

5. Cost-efficiency and flexibility: The Resolution introducedthe possibility of establishing subordinate bodies open to all the member states, whilst reimbursing the expenses of a limited number of members. It also provided more flexibility in the membership: members may or may not be drawn from the parent committee and may also include specialists. This has been useful, in particular, to achieve specialised, technical tasks.

6. Simplification: Whereas in the former resolution there were several types ofterms of reference, these are now harmonised into a single terms of reference model which may be used in various contexts. Moreover, the Resolution reduced the types of committees that can be created from five to four. In addition, a single convocation procedure was introduced.

7. Improved control over terms of reference: Following the adoption of theResolution, a more transparent procedure was introduced whereby all the terms of reference of committees and subordinate bodies are individually approved by the Committee of Ministers.

8. The ‘fact sheets’ now attached to each terms of reference highlight the link between the terms of reference and the Third Summit Action Plan. The fact sheets detail the organisational added value and relevance of the terms of reference to the priorities decidedin Warsaw.

9. Other elements of improved control include:

· All committees have terms of reference;· All Steering Committees are now limited in time. This ended the practice of tacitly renewing their terms of reference;· The terms of reference of subordinate bodies are limited to 3 years;· A link between the terms of reference and the Programme of Activities is established. The fact sheet mentions the Project identification number and title;· Financial information is also included in the fact sheet;· Terms of reference and (abridged) meeting reports are submitted to the relevant Rapporteur Groups.

10. More clarity on observer status: The former Resolution referred to observers without making a clear distinction between them. The new Resolution creates a distinction between observers on the basis of the degree of authorisation they require in order to participate in the committees.

11. Strengthening the monitoring and evaluation function of committees: Compared with the former one, the new Resolution states more clearly the type of information to be made available to the Steering Committees (priorities of the Organisation, monitoring results, the annual progress review report, assistance activities).

12. The provision of more information aimed to encourage Steering Committees to be more proactive in setting priorities, monitoring and in evaluation of the activities pertaining to their respective sectors. The reduction of the frequency of meetings (most Steering Committees now meet only once a year) and the cutback in the number of meeting days have however prevented them from reinforcing their monitoring and evaluation functions.

13. More results-oriented reports by Steering Committees: Paragraph 3.3 of document CM(2004)60 revised on the role of Ministerial Sessions, Ministers’ Deputies, Conferences of Specialised Ministers and Steering Committees has been taken up in the new Resolution:

"Meeting reports done by committees for the Ministers’ Deputies shall include an evaluation of completed activities and a presentation of on-going and planned work, together with the identification of its source and deadlines, as well as proposals for future activities and identification of activities that might be brought to term."

14. This new format has been widely implemented and has improved the understanding and impact of abridged committee reports. However, several delegations have asked for further improvements and harmonisation in order to facilitate decision-making. Therefore, the Secretariat should generalise the practice to include in reports a Committee of Ministers summary distinguishing between items for decision and those for information, highlighting politically relevant issues and, as appropriate, the main views expressed in the committee.

15. Co-ordination: A new section on coordination between committees and on co-ordination between Ministers’ Deputies and committees has been added. The terms of reference of committees mention which committees and other Council of Europe bodies will be invited to participate in the work of committees. Chairs of committees have been invited to take part in the Rapporteur Groups to discuss their activities. Further efforts could be made to enhance communication between the various bodies of the organisation. Current initiatives in this regard appear at the end of this document.

II. Follow-up concerning document CM(2006)168

16. At their 1024th meeting of 23 April 2008, the Ministers’ Deputies invited the GT-REF-INST to regularly examine the follow-up to be given to the document CM(2006)168 on the rationalisation of intergovernmental committees. Below, each section of the original text (in the box) is followed by an assessment prepared by the Secretariat:

Preface

1. As part of the implementation of Section V of the Action Plan, the GT-REF.INST has, among other things, considered possible ways of rationalising the work of the intergovernmental committees of experts which are the pillar of the Council of Europe’s standard-setting activities. It has proceeded by means of informal consultations as well as at a meeting held on 20 September 2006.

2. In 2006, 30 Steering Committees, Ad Hoc Committees and the like (reporting directly to the Committee of Ministers) and 53 subordinate committees were active. Virtually all of these bodies were set up under a decision by the Committee of Ministers.

3. The terms of reference of two Ad Hoc Committees and 45 subordinate committees are due to expire on 31 December 2006. The 2007 draft Programme of Activities [doc.CM(2006)146 Volume II of 7.9.06] proposes that new tasks be assigned to 27 of them, and to three new bodies, which would already represent a decrease of 17 in the number of committees (36%).

Secretariat Comment

17. The Secretariat has regularly provided lists of intergovernmental committees to the GT-REF.INST (GT-REF.INST(2006)5 revised, GT-REF.INST(2008)7). An up-to-date list of the status of committees is appended to this document.

19. Since 2006, 2 Ad Hoc Committees and 32 subordinate committees completed their terms of reference and were not renewed.

Procedure

4. The renewal or approval of each of these terms of reference (Steering Committees, Ad Hoc Committees or subordinate committees) should be considered by the Committee of Ministers (after the relevant rapporteur group has given its opinion) in direct conjunction with the discussion of the Programme of Activities, in order to take more precise account of the Council of Europe’s standard-setting work in all the Organisation’s major areas of concern

5. To allow a better assessment of the value of the proposed activities, terms of reference should comply with the terms of Resolution Res(2005)47, under which the presentation of terms of reference must include an evaluation of the relevance of the project3. It is further suggested that this presentation should also include an assessment of the value added, i.e. the relative advantage of carrying out the project at the Council of Europe as opposed to other international forums, and the suitability of the committee concerned in relation to other Council of Europe committees. Other selection criteria for projects may be added depending on the outcome of the debate on document CM(2005)146.4

6. Draft mandates should indicate their financial implications.

7. To make it easier for the Committee of Ministers to take decisions on terms of reference, it would be convenient if their expiry dates were to coincide as far as possible.

8. Generally speaking, each Steering Committee, Ad Hoc Committee or the like should be made aware of the obligation to focus its activities on topics falling within the scope of the Council of Europe’s priority aims. In a similar vein, it is essential that each of these committees should make a critical appraisal of its work over the last few years. The message of the Committee of Ministers to committees involved in intergovernmental co-operation at the Council of Europe [CM-SUIVI3(2006)18 revised] meets these needs and should be translated into action.

Secretariat Comment

20. Regarding paragraphs 4 and 7, the discrepancy in the timetable for the examination of the Programme of Activities and for adoption of the terms of reference by the Ministers' Deputies and the approval of the terms of reference at the level of Steering Committees, does not allow systematically for a harmonised approach as proposed. However, an effort has been made to adapt the committee’s duration to that of its project and to foresee the renewal of terms of reference in line with calendar years.

21. Proposals under paragraphs 5 and 6 have been introduced. The new ‘fact sheets’ attached to the terms of reference include the following information:

· Compliance with Resolution (2005)47 (if not, the derogation has to be requested and reasons explained)· List of projects falling under the Committee’s responsibility as they appear in the Programme of Activities· Project relevance (as specified in the criteria document (CM(2006)101 final)· Project added value (as provided for in the criteria document (CM(2006)101 final)· Financial information (committee’s annual budget allocation, number of meetings and participants)

22. Concerning paragraph 8, comprehensive reports by committees on the implementation of the Warsaw Declaration and Action Plan were prepared for the 117th Ministerial Session in May 2007 (CM(2007)76) and for the 118th Ministerial Session in May 2008 (CM(2008)53).

General measures

9. All the provisions of the resolution on committees and subordinate bodies, their terms of reference and working methods [Res(2005)47] must be applied.

10. In this connection, it should be noted in particular, but not exclusively, that the rapporteur groups may invite Steering Committee chairs to discuss the evaluation of activities and present work in progress and the prospects for future activities in line with the Organisation’s priorities.

11. All committees should critically assess their working methods; in particular they should make as much use as possible of electronic means of communication in order to reduce the number of meetings. The latter should be result oriented. Furthermore, they should also consider working in smaller working groups.

12. Other proposed measures concerning working methods, in particular those presented in the independent study commissioned by the Secretariat5, will be considered by the GT-REF.INST in due course.

Secretariat Comment

Paragraphs 9 and 10

23. The terms of reference of committees are rigorously examined. A preliminary draft version is first submitted to the Directorate of Strategic Planning (DSP) by the secretariat concerned to check its compliance with the Resolution and with the criteria (CM(2006)101 final). When legal issues arise, the DSP may also consult the Legal Advisor. After the first screening, the draft terms of reference are sent to the relevant committee for approval. They are then discussed within the relevant Rapporteur Group(s) and then adopted by the Committee of Ministers.6

24. All messages from the Committee of Ministers to intergovernmental committees are sent to committees as soon as they are adopted. The Ministers’ Deputies may consider and assess whether the application of certain articles related to their work, for instance, articles 7.2.1 (meeting reports) and 10.2
(co-ordination) satisfy their expectations.

Paragraph 11

25. The Resolution foresees the use of information technology whenever possible (Chapter IX- Convening of committees and subordinate bodies and Appendix 1, Article 2 Documentation). Due to the reduction in the frequency of meetings, consultation through electronic means of communication, where practical, is expected to increase. However, meetings are still needed in most areas and cannot be completely replaced by other types of communication such as tele-conferencing.

26. Appendix 1, Article 14 of the Resolution foresees the possibility to entrust a limited number of committee members with a specific task in order to accelerate the progress of their work.

Paragraph 12

27. See proposals on transparency and communication under “Conclusions andperspectives” below.

Specific measures

13. Several suggestions made concerning specific areas of intergovernmental co-operation should be examined by the relevant rapporteur groups which will make recommendations to the Committee of Ministers as appropriate. The list of these suggestions is appended.

* * *

Appendix of document CM(2006)168

GR-J

- halving of the four subordinate committees to the Steering Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR);

- setting up of a single committee responsible for childhood and children (merger of the Committee of Experts on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and abuse (PC-ES), the Committee on Experts on Children and Families (CS-EF) and the new committee on parenting, in liaison with GR-SOC;

- new distribution of responsibilities between the subordinate committees to the European Committee on Legal Co-operation (CDCJ);

28. Secretariat Comment

- the number of subordinate bodies of CDLR has been reduced from 4 (in 2006) to 3 (in 2008);- the tasks entrusted to the two committee of experts PC-ES and CS-EF have been completed and, therefore, their terms of references were not renewed;- the number of subordinate bodies of the CDCJ have been reduced from 4 in 2006 to 3 in 2008.

GR-H

- examination of the work of Committee of Experts on issues relating to the Protection of National Minorities (DH-MIN);

Secretariat Comment

29. The current terms of reference of the DH-MIN, which will end on 31 December 2008, will be examined by the CDDH at the next meeting (25-28 November) and transmitted to the Committee of Ministers before 31 December for possible adoption.

GR-SOC

- setting up of a single committee responsible for childhood and children (merger of the Committee of Experts on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and abuse (PC-ES), the Committee on Experts on Children and Families (CS-EF) and the new committee on parenting, in liaison with GR-J;

- transfer of the activities of the Committee of Experts to study organisational aspects of cooperation in organ transplantation (SP-CTO), Committee of Experts on Blood Transfusion (SP-HM), Committee of Experts on Quality Assurance in blood transfusion services (SP-GS) and Committee of Experts on safety and quality assurance for organs, tissues and cells (SP-SQA) to the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM);

- rationalisation of committees dealing with migration;

Secretariat Comment

30. As mentioned above, the tasks entrusted to the two committee of experts PC-ES and CS-EF have been completed and their terms of references were not renewed.

31. In 2007, the activities related to SP-CTO and of the SP-HM have been transferred to the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM). The tasks of SP-GS and SP-SQA have been completed and their terms of references have expired.

32. The subordinate bodies of CDMG have been reduced from six in 2006 to one remaining in 2008 (MG-S-ROM).

GR-C

- transfer of the activities of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Agreement on Sport (CAHAS) to a partial agreement for sport;

- setting up of a co-ordinating committee on intercultural dialogue (possibly as a result of the White Paper currently in preparation);

- examination of the “environment” field at the Council of Europe;

- examination of the cultural routes activities;

Secretariat Comment

33. The activities of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Agreement on Sport (CAHAS) have been transferred to the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS).

34. The merger of Steering Committee for Culture (CD-CULT) and the Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage (CD-PAT) did not materialise; however, the monitoring activities of CO-DBP (landscape) were transferred to CDPAT which is now renamed CDPATEP- Steering Committee for cultural heritage and landscape.

35. Following the approval by the Committee of Ministers of the White Paper on intercultural dialogue on 30 April 2008 and its launching by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs at their 118th Ministerial Session, the GR-C could now explore the possibility of setting up of a small co-ordinating committee on the implementation of the recommendations set out in the White Paper on intercultural dialogue;

36. The Thematic co-ordinator TC-ID was created to examine the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue.The TC-ID’s terms of referenced ended in July 2008 and future activities in this field will be carried out under the direct supervision of the GR-C.

37. The GR-C has discussed the ‘environment’ field, including strategic aspects and proposals related to sustainable development (GR-C(2005)13). An Advisory Group of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (CULT-CR) was created and recently confirmed (terms of reference adopted in January 2008).

- rules for the reimbursement of travel and subsistence allowances of experts.

38. The matter was discussed under the Thematic Co-ordinator on the examination of the system of reimbursement of travel and subsistence allowances of the government experts with a view to reducing expenditure (TC-INDEMN). There was, however, no agreement concerning a possible reduction of rates or the abolition of the system of reimbursement of travel costs (see also doc GR-AB(2006)CB10).

39. In recent discussions, several member States have proposed to reexamine this issue.

III. Conclusions and perspectives

40. Resolution (2005)47 introduced several new elements which have made the functioning of committees more accountable. By adopting the terms of reference of each committee, the Ministers’ Deputies are able to control and assess the relevance of committee work to the fundamental objectives set out in the Warsaw Declaration and Action Plan. Their control function has been reinforced through the reports submitted to the 117th and 118th Ministerial Sessions regarding the implementation of the latter. Furthermore, an up-to-date status of the terms of reference of all intergovernmental committees has regularly been presented to the GT-REF.INST upon its request.

41. When the Resolution Res(2005)47 was adopted by the Ministers’ Deputies at their 951st meeting, they “noted that it would be reviewed after two years, allowing for further revision to take place, if necessary”. Whilst the methods of implementing the provisions of the Resolution can be the subject of continuous improvement, the provisions themselves currently provide an adequate framework for the functioning of the committees. It is therefore safe to conclude that both the institutional and legal framework as well as the implementing tools (the new Resolution, fact sheets, criteria for projects, study on committees, on-line access to terms of reference) are in place to check upon the work and functioning of the committees. These will be further reinforced by the introduction of an evaluation policy which will take as its base the implementation of the ‘criteria for projects’ document (CM(2006)101 final).

42. Intergovernmental committees have always had a key function concerning standard-setting, innovation, monitoring and networking among specialised communities in member states. As indicated in the “Study on the efficiency and effectiveness of committees” (DD(20074)548), rationalisation measures should avoid any adverse effects on these functions. A minimum meeting frequency and duration of meetings is needed to preserve these capacities. Whether one meeting per year is sufficient, in particular if monitoring and evaluation functions are being added, should be examined in due course.

43. This being said, several improvements could still be made in particular with regard to transparency of and communication on the committees’ work in accordance with the Decision taken by the Deputies at their 1024th meeting of 23 April 2008.

44. The following measures are currently being implemented:

· Further harmonisation of (abridged) committee reports in order to facilitate decision-making: the reports should contain an executive summary highlighting politically relevant issues and present the main views expressed.

· Improvement of on-line access of information regarding the committees, including a database on terms of reference and easier access to committee reports.

· Training workshops for permanent representations on how to use relevant Council of Europe tools that provide access to information regarding the work of committees.

· Informal information meetings of Permanent Representations with the secretariat of Steering Committees, as necessary.

The status of the terms of refernce of Intergovernmental Committees – January 2006 – July 2008

DGHL / DLAPIL – ( GR-H / GR-J )

Acronym

Name of Committee

Terms of referenceadopted on : expires on :

Committee

Terms of referenceevolution

CDCJ

European Committee on Legal Co-operation

10/10/07 31/12/09

active

renewal in process

CJ-FA

Committee of Experts on Family Law

30/01/08 30/06/09

active

CJ-S-NAT

Group of Specialists on Nationality

30/01/08 31/12/08

active

CJ-S-JUD

Group of Specialists on the Judiciary

Ø

new committee

in process

CJ-DA

Project Group on Administrative Law

31/01/0731/12/07

work finalised

not renewed

CJ-S-VICT

Group of Specialists on remedies for crime victims

31/01/0731/12/07

work finalised

not renewed

CJ-S-MED

Group of Scientific Experts on Medical Liability

31/01/0731/12/07

work finalised

not renewed

CJ-S-JUST

Group of Specialists on the independence, efficiency and role of judges

31/01/0731/12/07

work finalised

not renewed

CJ-S-ONG

Group of Specialists on the Legal Status of Non Governmental Organisations

14/12/05 31/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

CJ-S-DEBT

Group of Specialists on Seeking Legal Solutions to Debt Problems

11/01/06 31/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

CDPC

European Committee on Crime Problems

29/11/06 31/12/10

active

MONEYVAL

Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism

10/10/07 31/12/10

active

PC-S-CP

Group of Specialists on Counterfeit Pharmaceutical Products

02/07/08 28/02/09

active

PC-ISP

Ad hoc Committee on Counterfeiting of Medical Products and similar crimes involving threats to public health

02/07/08 31/12/09

active

PC-CP

Council for Penological Co-operation

10/10/07 31/12/08

active

renewal in process

PC-PM

Council for Police Matters

14/06/06 31/12/08

work finalised

not renewed

PC-OC

Committee of Experts on the operation of European conventions on co-operation in criminal matters

14/06/06 31/12/08

active

renewal in process

PC-ES

Committee of Experts on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and abuse

29/11/0630/06/07

work finalised

not renewed

PC-CSC

Criminological Scientific Council

tacit renewal

work finalised

not renewed

CCJE

Consultative Council of European Judges

16/01/08 31/12/09

active

CCPE

Consultative Council of European Prosecutors

27/02/08 31/12/08

active

CAHDI

Committee of Legal Advisers on Public International Law

29/11/06 31/12/08

active

CODEXTER

Committee of Experts on Terrorism

27/02/08 31/12/10

active

TER-S-RES

Group of Specialists on Residence issues in the fight against terrorism

not adopted

Ø

Acronym

Name of Committee

Terms of referenceadopted on : expires on :

Committee

Terms of referenceevolution

CDDH

Steering Committee for Human Rights

18/01/07 31/12/08

active

DH-MIN

Committee of Experts on Issues relating to the Protection of National Minorities

18/01/07 31/12/08

active

DH-DEV DH-DEV-FA DH-DEV-SM

Committee of Experts for the Development of Human RightsGroup on human rights of members of the armed forcesGroup on Human Rights in a Multicultural Society

18/01/07 31/12/0813/06/07 31/12/0813/06/07 31/12/08

activeactiveactive

DH-PR GT-DH-PR AGT-DH-PR B

Committee of Experts for the Development of Human RightsDH-PR Group on the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human RightsDH-PR Group on the review of the implementation of the “reform” recommendations

18/01/07 31/12/0818/01/07 31/12/0818/01/0730/04/08

activeactivework finalised

not renewed

GT-DH-AS

Working Group on human rights protection in the context of accelerated asylum procedures

06/02/08 31/12/08

active

DH-S-GDR

Reflection Group for the follow-up of the reform of the Court

06/02/08 30/04/09

active

DH-S-DDH

Group of Specialists on Human Rights Defenders

18/01/0731/12/07

work finalised

not renewed

DH-S-AC

Group of Specialists on access to official documents

06/02/0830/03/08

work finalised

not renewed

CDEG

Steering Committee for Equality between Women and Men

21/02/07 31/12/08

active

EG-S-CP

Group of Specialists on the Role of Women and Men in Conflict Prevention and Resolution and in Peace Building

23/02/05 31/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

EG-S-SM

Group of Specialists on Gender Equality Standards and Mechanisms

23/02/05 31/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

CDMC

Steering Committee on the Media and New Communication Services

15/02/06 31/12/08

active

MC-S-IS

Group of Specialists on human rights in the information society

31/01/07 31/12/08

active

MC-S-MD

Group of Specialists on Media Diversity

31/01/07 31/12/08

active

MC-S-PSM

Group of Specialists on public service media in the information society

31/01/07 31/12/08

active

MC-S-IC

Group of Specialists on freedom of expression and information in times of crisis

31/01/0731/12/07

work taken up by CDMC

not renewed

DGDPA – ( GR-DEM )

Acronym

Name of Committee

Terms of referenceadopted on : expires on :

Committee

Terms of referenceevolution

CDLR

European Committee on Local and Regional Democracy

29/11/06 31/12/09

active

LR-GR

Committee of Experts on governance and resources at local and regional level

26/03/08 31/12/08

active

LR-G I

Committee of Experts on the institutions of local and regional government

26/03/08 31/12/08

active

LR-DP

Committee of Experts on democratic participation and public ethics at local and regional level

26/03/08 31/12/08

active

LR-CT

Committee of Experts on Transfrontier Co-operation

31/01/07 31/12/07

work transferred to new LR-GI Committee

not renewed

CAHDE

Ad hoc Committee on e-democracy

15/05/08 31/12/08

active

DG3 – ( GR-SOC )

Acronym

Name of Committee

Terms of referenceadopted on : expires on :

Committee

Terms of referenceevolution

CDCS

European Committee for Social Cohesion

21/02/07 31/12/08

active

renewal in process

CS-SS

Committee of Experts on Social Security

06/09/06 31/12/09

active

CS-SPFC

Committee of Experts on Social Policy for Families and Children

16/05/07 31/12/08

active

CS-LIW

Committee of Experts on improving the situation of low-income workers

16/05/07 31/12/08

active

CS-PEP

Committee of Experts on empowerment of people experiencing extreme poverty

16/05/07 31/12/08

active

CS-EF

Committee of Experts on Children and Family

09/09/0431/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

CS-US

Group of Specialists on user involvement in social services and integrated social service delivery

09/09/0430/06/06

work finalised

not renewed

CS-HO

Group of Specialists on Housing policies for Social Cohesion

09/09/0431/07/06

work finalised

not renewed

CDMG

European Committee on Migration

10/07/08 31/12/11

active

MG-S-ROM

Committee of Experts on Roma and Travellers

10/07/08 31/12/10

active

MG- PLATEFORM

Political Platform of the Council of Europe on Migration

14/12/0531/12/07

work finalised

not renewed

MG-S-MNA

Ad hoc Advisory Group on unaccompanied migrant minors

05/04/0631/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

MG-S-EM

Ad hoc Advisory Group on access of migrants to employment

21/02/0731/12/07

work finalised

not renewed

MG-R-AC

Select Committee of Experts on associations and co-development

22/04/0531/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

MG-R-IE

Select Committee of Experts on integration of migrant children

22/04/0531/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

CDSP

European Health Committee

10/04/07 31/12/08

active

SP-GHC

Committee of Experts on Good Governance in Health Care

05/09/07 31/12/08

active

SP-MIG

Committee of Experts on mobility, migration and access to health care

Ø

new committee

in process

SP-MNH

Committee of experts on developing a Council of Europe mental health reference tool

24/10/0730/04/08

work finalised

not renewed

SP-GEN

Committee of Experts on the impact of genetics on the organisation of health care services and training of health profession

23/03/05 31/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

SP-SHF

Committee of Experts on the inclusion of gender differences in health policy

23/03/05 31/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

SP-SQA

Group of Specialists on safety and quality assurance for organs, tissues and cells

23/03/0531/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

SP-GS

Committee of Experts on Quality Assurance in Blood Transfusion Services

30/09/0431/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

Acronym

Name of Committee

Terms of referenceadopted on : expires on :

Committee

Terms of referenceevolution

CDBI

Steering Committee on Bioethics

29/11/06 31/12/09

active

CDBI-CO-GT2

Working Party on biomedical research

14/03/07 31/12/08

active

CDBI-CO-GT3

Working Party on the protection of the human embryo and fœtus

14/03/07 31/12/08

active

CDBI-CO-GT4

Working Party on human genetics

14/03/07 31/12/08

active

CAHPAH

European Co-ordination Forum for the Council of Europe Disability Action Plan 2006-2015

12/12/07 31/12/09

active

CAHPAH-DCEC

Drafting Committee on Evaluation Criteria

05/09/07 31/12/09

active

CAHPAH-VPH

Committee of Experts on ageing of people with disabilities and older people with disabilities

06/02/08 31/12/08

active

DG4 – ( GR-C )

Acronym

Name of Committee

Terms of referenceadopted on : expires on :

Committee

Terms of referenceevolution

CDED

Steering Committee for Education

30/01/08 31/12/09

active

ED-EDCHR

Ad hoc Advisory Group on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights

11/06/08 30/06/10

active

ED-HIST

Ad hoc Advisory Group on History Teaching

11/06/08 31/12/09

active

ED-EVC

European Language Portfolio Validation Committee

11/06/08 31/12/10

active

ED-DS

Ad hoc Advisory Group on policies and practices for teaching socio-cultural diversity

31/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

CAHCIT

Ad hoc Committee of Experts for the European Year of Citizenship through Education

23/02/05 30/06/06

work finalised

not renewed

CDESR

Steering Committee for Higher Education and Research

27/11/07 31/12/10

active

CDCULT

Steering Committee for Culture

30/01/08 31/12/09

active

CULT-CR

Advisory Group of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe

30/01/08 31/12/08

active

CDPATEP

Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage and Landscape

30/01/08 31/12/10

active

PAT-JEP

Group of Co-ordinators of the European Heritage Days

ToR not adopted

Ø

PAT-MS

Ad hoc Advisory Group on the Monitoring Machinery for the Council of Europe’s Cultural Heritage Instruments

ToR not adopted

Ø

STRACO

Council for the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy

11/09/02unlimited

active

STRA-REP

Committee of Experts for the Development of the Pan-European Ecological Network

active

CODBP

Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the Field of Biological and Landscape Diversity

transferred to CDPATEP

désactivé

not renewed

CDEJ

European Steering Committee for Youth

09/12/05 31/12/08

active

renewal in process

CCJ

Advisory Council on Youth

10/05/06 31/12/08

active

renewal in process

CMJ

Joint Council on Youth

10/05/06 31/12/08

active

renewal in process

CPJ

Programming Committee on Youth

10/05/06 31/12/08

active

renewal in process

CMJ-SGADAE

European Steering Group of the European Youth Campaign for Diversity, Human Rights and Participation “All different - All equal”

24/05/0630/06/08

work finalised

not renewed

CAHAMA

Ad hoc European Committee for the World Anti-Doping Agency

20/02/08 31/12/10

active

CAHAS

Ad hoc Committee for the Agreement on Sport

11/01/06 31/12/06

work finalised

not renewed

Legend : in ‘’ bold ‘’ : steering committees and ad hoc committeesin ‘’ light ‘’ : subordinate bodiesin ‘’ grey ‘’ : committees where the terms of reference have come to an end and which will not be renewed

Note 1 This document has been classified restricted at the date of issue; it will be declassified in accordance with Resolution Res(2001)6 on access to Council of Europe documents.

Note 3 “relevance to the core values of the Council of Europe and the decisions adopted by the Committee of Ministers”

5The Director of Strategic Planning presented the terms of reference for the study on the efficiency and effectiveness of committees under the Programme of Activities of the Council of Europe (Vote II) (DD(2006)437) at the meeting of the GT-REF.INST on 11 July 2006.

6 The only exception that falls outside the Resolution is STRA-CO, the Council for the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy. It is under the joint responsibility of the UNEP and the Council of Europe and its tasks are in conformity with the agreement concluded between the UNEP and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Note 7 Since renamed GR-PBA (Rapporteur Group on Programme, Budget and Administration).